Beverage Cooling Cavity with Dual-Axis Rotation for Faster Chilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage chilling systems, such as commercial drinks refrigerators and cold beverage vending machines, suffer from inefficiencies leading to excessive energy wastage and poor thermal uniformity, resulting in prolonged cooling times and inconsistent product temperature, especially in high-turnover environments.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with a cavity for beverage containers that utilizes a motor-driven turntable for rotation about two parallel axes and a coolant supply, achieving enhanced cooling rates through forced and natural convection, and is integrated into a vending machine with dual storage zones for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional refrigerators continuously maintain low temperatures for long periods, then drinks are kept chilled, but excessive energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller activates the cooling system only when drinks require chilling, allowing the system to remain inactive during periods when cooling is not needed, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while still achieving the desired temperature maintenance
2Ease of operation
If large doors are opened for manual dispensing, then drinks are accessible, but substantial cold air is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is segmented into individual drink compartments that can be accessed independently. The take-away tray is designed to extract specific drinks without requiring opening of the entire refrigerator door, allowing selective access that minimizes cold air loss while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If vending machines provide easy passage to vending tray, then user access is improved, but poor sealing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The take-away tray is extracted as a separate component that can be removed and reinserted. This allows the tray to provide easy user access when removed, while maintaining the sealing integrity of the refrigerator when reinserted, effectively separating the access function from the sealing function
4Reliability
If refrigeration systems run background cycles to maintain efficiency, then system performance is maintained, but additional energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors to monitor drink temperatures and automatically activates cooling only when needed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous background running cycles, allowing the system to maintain efficiency while consuming energy only when actually required for cooling
5Ease of operation
If drinks are stored in open-fronted refrigerated cabinets, then product visibility and access are improved, but energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open-fronted cabinet provides local visibility and access at the front, while the majority of the refrigerator interior remains sealed and insulated. This creates different functional zones where only the necessary portion is open, maintaining energy efficiency in the closed sections while providing accessibility where needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves faster cooling times, reduces energy consumption, and maintains consistent product temperature, improving thermal uniformity and reducing ice formation, while allowing for on-demand chilling and efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
Forced convection takes place and creates artificially-induced convection currents inside the can
Implementation Method 2
supply means for a cooling liquid... The cooling apparatus... utilizes a motor-driven turntable for rotation about two parallel axes and a coolant supply
Implementation Method 3
When the rotation is then stopped, a free or collapsing vortex forms and natural convection takes place, promoting mixing of the contents of the can
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to cooling. We describe a cooling apparatus comprising a cavity for receipt of a product to be cooled. The apparatus comprises rotation means to rotate a product received in the cavity and a coolant supply means to provide a coolant in the cavity. The apparatus further comprises means to apply a supplementary motion to the cavity.